August 21, 2025 – The badminton community is mourning alongside German doubles star Marvin Seidel, who last night shared the devastating news of the passing of his newborn twins, Clara and Jacob, shortly after their birth. The 29-year-old athlete, a beloved figure on the Badminton World Tour, made the heartbreaking announcement on his personal Instagram account, revealing a profound and personal tragedy.
In a poignant post, Seidel wrote, “Our twins, Clara and Jacob, were with us for only a few days but brought more love than we ever thought possible. We grieve deeply yet will always be grateful for the time we had with them.” The raw and emotional message has resonated deeply with fans and fellow athletes alike, who have flooded his social media with messages of support and sympathy.
The news comes as a deeply personal blow to Seidel, who is known for his dedication and sportsmanship on the court. He is the 2022 European Champion in mixed doubles and has been a prominent fixture in the world of badminton for years. His absence from the upcoming World Championships in Paris, scheduled to begin in 10 days, now takes on a new, somber context. Seidel had previously withdrawn from the prestigious tournament earlier this summer, citing an injury to his doubles partner, Daniel Hess. This personal tragedy adds a layer of immense grief to what was already a challenging year for the athlete.
As the sports world rallies around Marvin Seidel, his courage in sharing such a private and painful experience highlights the strength and vulnerability of athletes beyond their public personas. While his professional life has seen its share of challenges this year, the loss of his children is a sorrow of an entirely different magnitude. The badminton community and fans worldwide will continue to offer their support as Seidel and his partner navigate this unimaginable grief.